III. Organizational Classifications

Every student organization will be classified into one of nine classifications that most closely relates to their mission and purpose. Student organizations may have multiple secondary classifications based on the mission and purpose of the organization. The following definitions will be used in determining classification(s) by the Student Organization Committee:

1. Academic Society
   An academic organization will be classified as a student organization whose primary mission is to assist students with their academic and professional endeavors based on the member’s academic major, department, or college. The organization’s meetings, events, programs, and activities are representative of academic focus and development.
2. Civic Society
   A civic student organization is a group that engages in activities and initiatives aimed at promoting social responsibility, community engagement, and positive change within their school, local community, or society at large. These organizations often focus on addressing issues such as social justice, environmental sustainability, human rights, and civic/political engagement through various projects, events, and advocacy efforts.
3. Club Sport
   A club sport is an organization that provides opportunities for students to participate in competitive, recreational, or instructional athletic activities. Unlike varsity sports, which are governed by national collegiate athletic associations and offer athletic scholarships, club sports operate with less formal structures, are partially student-funded, and cater to a broader range of skill levels.
4. Cultural Society
   An organization based on culture or nationality is a group formed that focuses on celebrating, promoting, and educating others about the diverse cultures, traditions, and identities that these students represent. These organizations aim to provide supportive communities for students from various backgrounds and nationalities.
5. Departmental
   A departmental organization will be classified as a student organization whose primary mission is to assist offices, departments, and divisions funded by the university. The organization’s meetings, events, programs. and activities are representative of supporting the mission and events of the university unit they are affiliated with.
6. Faith & Religious
   A faith and religious organization is a group that gathers students together based on shared religious beliefs or interests in exploring faith-related topics. These organizations aim to provide spiritual support, foster religious education, and create a community for prayer, worship, and discussion about faith and theology. They often organize activities such as services, study groups, charitable work, and interfaith dialogues to promote understanding and respect among different religious traditions.
7. Fraternity & Sorority Life
   Fraternity & Sorority Life refers to the system of social fraternities and sororities, often characterized by a set of Greek letters. In order to be classified as a “FSL” organization at South Alabama, the Chapter/Colony must belong to a national organization recognized by the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
8. Honor Society
   An honor society is an organization that recognizes and celebrates students who achieve excellence in academic performance, leadership, character, and in some cases specific areas of study or co-curricular activities. Membership is often based on stringent criteria such as grade point averages, class rank, or other notable achievements and it provides opportunities for personal growth, networking, scholarships, and career advancement.
9. Special Interest
   A special interest organization is a group formed around non-academic passions, shared hobbies, or specific interests. These organizations provide students with opportunities to engage in activities they are passionate about, connect with peers who have similar interests, and develop skills related to their hobbies. Ranging from creative arts and technology to leisure activities like gaming or film, these clubs offer a wide array of experiences.